*OFFICIAL* M17xR3 Owner's Lounge Thread - Part 2

One thing I am really digging about the new M17 RX3's is the HDMI in function, extra tv for when a friend comes over!!!!

 

Yours should come with the same stuff as mine did, which was the same as X3NIA's list: http://forum.notebookreview.com/7247677-post1.html

 

not intended to start an r2 vs r2 war...but this for the former or still current r2 owners who also own an r3.....


do ya'll still find yourself using r2 (for whatever reasons such as not as happy w/ r3 or still so love w/ r2, etc.) or it just sitting somewhere, bcuz r3 at least meets or beats your expectations? etc?

thanks.

 

All you need to upgrade to W7U is an upgrade key. Click start orb and look for Anytime Upgrade.

It's for the SPDIF audio port if you are using an optical. Owners manual!

I loved (LOVE) my R2 but it's gotta go back per the exchange warranty. Wish I could keep it as a DR and just take the R3 on the go. It IS MUCH MORE carry friendly.

 

Hello fellow M17x R3 owners! Well, I say "fellow" a bit too early. Just ordered mine today. In the weeks of research I did leading up to the purchase, a friend pointed me to this forum. I read the post about how to save money and was surprised to learn that the price is negotiable. I always assumed the prices on the website were "written in stone". My last two Dell laptops (Inspiron and Studio XPS 16) I ordered without questioning the price.

So here's the specs on the laptop I ordered:
Processor: i7 2720QM
Memory: 16 GB
Video: 2GB AMD Radeon HD 6970M
Hard Drive: 2 x 750GB 7200RPM in RAID 0
Display: 17.3" 1920x1080 60Hz
Wireless: 802.11 g/n
Optical Drive: DVD+-RW, CD-RW
Service: 3 Year Advanced Service Plan
Gear Store: Orion Alienware Messenger Bag

The originally spec'd system was identical to the above except with the 6870M for video. The price for that on the website (including the $75 bag and the 3 year Advanced service plan) was $2883.99. I called today and spoke with a sales rep and started the conversation off saying I had a spec'd system in my Wish List he could look at. I told him I had priced the memory and the harddrives on NewEgg and could get them for a substantial savings over getting them from Dell with the system. I told him if he'd either give me the system I had in my Wish List with a $350 discount, OR upgrade the video card to the 6970M and discount the price $150, I'd buy it right there on the phone. If he couldn't though, I said I'd understand and it was ok, I'd just go ahead and buy the system with the lowest memory and hard drive through the website and get the memory and drives from NewEgg (underlying (implied) message: "Give me the discount and get a nice commission, or don't and get no commission"... ).

He took about 60 seconds to put me on hold and "talk to his supervisor" then came back and said he could do the video card upgrade (at no additional cost) and discount the current price by $150 (total $400 discount). I can't help but feel that was TOO easy... maybe I should have asked for MORE of a discount... Anyway, he wouldn't do anything with the shipping and the reason he gave was (and I'm pretty sure I was getting my chain pulled here, but I'd already gotten $400 from him) his boss wanted to personally contact the production facility to try and get them to expedite the production and shipment so I'd get it quicker and they wouldn't do that unless the $9 S&H was paid. [shrug] Can't win them all.

He said the computer gave a delivery date of April 20th, but that since his boss was going to contact the production facility I should get it much sooner. We'll see.

 

Hi all. First-time poster. I'm also going to be a new owner or the newest M17X. I don't know too much about computers, but here's what I got. I went with the 3D enabled version they are featuring on their website.

* Intel Core i7 2630QM 2.0GHz (2.8GHz Turbo Mode, 6MB Cache)
* 8 GB Ram
* 1.5GB GDDR5 Nvidia GeForce GTX 460M
* 17.3-inch WideFHD 1920x1080 120Hz WLED w/ NVIDIA 3D Vision Bundle
* 750 GB HDD
* Intel® Ultimate N WiFi Link 6300 a/g/n 3x3 MIMO Technology

I just updated the RAM, HDD and wi-fi card. I decided to buy this laptop because of the look of the machine, the graphic capabilities and overall cool factor. I intend to use it for future gaming (games like Duke Nukem Forever *don't laugh* and Diablo III), but I also want to use it to have a live-streaming webcast and to hook up my PS3/XBox 360 to play while casting. I am also a graphic designer and illustrator, so I need this rig to help me with my art projects.

After reading some of the threads on this forum, I am a little afraid about the problems that have been mentioned (soft rubber casing problem, most definitely). I understand that nothing is perfect, but I hope that there are no problems with my future laptop.

My arrival date is April 18th, but I won't be able to actually get acquainted with my new laptop until late July. I live in Japan right now, but I will be visiting my family in summer to pick it up. I'll definitely make sure my sister and her husband, who are receiving the laptop for me, will check it thoroughly as soon as it arrives.

I didn't apply for the extended warranty with the accidental coverage. Is it too late to sign up? Do you think it's worth it?

Anyways, I look forward to seeing if Alienware lives up to the hype. I'm typing on my 6+ year old Dell Inspirion 9200 laptop... it's served me well and it's still standing. *knock on wood* But I gotta make that upgrade, and I hope it's a good one.

 

You cancel and reorder to get the warranty. Getting a warranty after you bought it will be more expensive. Warranty is pretty good so it's worth it. Just go for the highest you can go for.


You should get the basic 4gb ram and upgrade it yourself since it would be way cheaper. Dell upgrade for ram is very expensive.


If 3d is not that important go for the Amd HD6970M which is much better for gaming but this would mean no 120hz/3d screen. Up to you really.


Other than everythingg is fine also if you can afford it go for the 2720qm instead. Decent price for a good jump will also support ram 1600mhz.

 

So My R3 should arrive around the 13th of April, And I'll be needed a laptop cooler pad, anyone got any recommendations on a really good one?

 

There's two good ones depending on your budget. Bottom end, and a crowd fave: Newegg.com - COOLER MASTER Notebook Cooler Model NotePal U3 R9-NBC-8PCK-GP, and higher end one with bigger fans and usb3.0: Newegg.com - COOLER MASTER Notebook Cooler Model NotePal U3 R9-NBC-8PCK-GP

 

I still use both equally as much.

 

5150 joker, I read your review on Alienware, well phrased. but how would you rate the overall build quality, I have the R1 and I am required to trade it in as my new R3 is already is on its way... I'm disappointed that it isn't made out of aluminum for its strength, feel, and cooling factors... but how you rate this new design. aesthetics, build quality, etc.

 

Just to be clear - I wrote that commentary on the AW site before I had my R3 and it was just my opinion on the R3 since we already knew all the info. about it at the time.

The R3 is a very good system although the build quality obviously won't be as good as the R1 you have. However, it is much lighter, runs quieter and has improved cooling so it's definitely an improvement over your R1 in almost every way. However, since you have a dual GPU system, you may want to try to hold off a little bit longer and see if you can swing an M18x. If not, then the R3 is a fine choice.

 

yea unfortunately I can't because my warranty is up in like 3 months, and they already made the exchange and gave me a 3 year premium warranty with my new system. Not to mention the 17 inch is big enough as it is . I'm just a little disappointed that they decided to discontinue the use of aluminum chassis's, thats one of the things people liked best about the R1-R2. But thank you, its nice to hear they improved the cooling, and the new design is pretty slick! as for the power, I can play most gamed fairly well right now, and my 3dmark 06 score is like 8,000 with SLI and Qx9300 lol... so really no matter what I got it will be a step up from what I've got right now. I'm really excited to experience some 3D media as well, I have a few 3d capable movies. and I of course will play most games without the 3d, so its still a pretty strong card... until I install a new one (485,5xxx) maybe an ATI card when or if it gets 3D support

 

I've had mine for five days now, and I fall in love with it more each day.
It really continues to impress. The build quality IMHO is above average and I would not have any reservations about carrying it around all day. However, I do understand that the R1 and R2 did have the anodized aluminum casing which is superior to the plastic and magnesium alloy used with the R3.

Let us know how you like it when you receive it. Need to get back to installing my games.....

 

Hey guys. Do any of you know when Dell will release new video drivers for the 460m?

The new 267.76 drivers apparently increase the performance of the 460m quite a bit.....

It's sort of frustrating how we're stuck with 266.08

 

Coming from the aluminum chassis M15x, the R3 feels just as sturdy and IMO the soft touch coating is nicer to the touch. The weight and sturdiness feel equal, and I prefer the look and touch of the new design. So I think the fuss might be tad overstated and mostly coming from those that have little experience with the R3. Just my .02

 

Yeah very true. I have the R3 and I love the feel of it. It fell out of my car on the driveway in a not so sturdy case and it's fine lol.

I always thought the M15x had a hard plastic case. Didn't know it was aluminum

 

so, nobody got the r3 with the 1600x900 screen res so far?

 

Too low resolution for a 17" IMO. I think there are a few guys that went with that option.

 

Btw guys, I believe the m15x is magnesium, not aluminum

 

I stand corrected. Well if it makes any difference, it still feels as sturdy as the model (I believe) it replaced.

 

I agree. On the Envy 14 I had, it was great. On this 17" beast, I wouldn't want anything less than 1900 x 1080.

 

Man, I'm upgrading from a 1600x900 reso desktop monitor (20in), which I thought was very roomy. I guess I can make use of the 1080p for movies, cuz there's wayy too much desktop space.

 

My preference will be 1600x900.
6970m performance will degrade in 2 years. 1080p is great but my comp is going to last least 3 years , lower default resolution will provide performance gain in future demanding game. There is external monitor for 1080p as alternative. There are people that enjoy upgrading every revision, so that won't be an issue for them. This laptop is expensive

 

yea.... you can always lower your resolution for gaming... its not like its set lol, but you will never be able to watch movies in 1080p or get the 3D option if you dont.

 

Thanks Dookie, I was after something more for use on my lap. Basically I'll need something that will stop my legs from boiling off, while preventing the laptop from overheating.

 

I have read that game looks best at screen default resolution. My eyes aren't as great as others, so they may benefit 1080p more in a 17" screen for movie. My current desktop was built at 2004, R3 will be a big upgrade to me

 

Hey Dookie, good links. I actually ordered the Coolermaster SF-19 earlier and will be buying possibly a second for work (But USB 2.0 because I don't feel like spending $160 on cooling..) if it performs well.

I'll put up some pics and the like when I get it!

 

Hmm, a board-game box might work, or pull out the sliding keyboard holder from your desk (if your desk has one of these). Otherwise, maybe a big piece of plywood sanded or with a smooth finish. You're gonna need the surface area to hold your monster

Great. Both are too expensive for me, and so far, a textbook and a 4pack of post-its holds the lappy pretty well on the desk

 

I love my SF-19!!!

 

X3NIA, once you get it tell me if it works well for you, i'm looking for a good cooler for my new M17x as well

 

Do you guys think a cooler will even help me during summer time? I live in LA, CA, where indoor temps will roll in the high 80s to mid 90s, and I have no AC at home, and only room fans.

 

Buy a cheap wall mount AC from walmart.

 

Definitely, even if the room temperature is high. 80-90 degrees Farenheit translates to like 26-32 degrees Celsius. When your gpu is running at 70+ degree CELSIUS, a 30 degrees Celsius is going to cool it down.

 

Cooler will almost always help, unless you live the antarctic circle or in alaska, then it might not be necessary lol

 

? I don't quite follow this post. I don't get it, no matter how many times I read it. Maybe cuz it's getting late and I'm very tired ??

 

It's the nature of heat transfer.


If your GPU is running at 70 degrees, and the environment around it is 30 degrees, then naturally, the environment is going to absorb heat from the GPU in an attempt to establish an equilibrium between the two items.


Chemistry...or physics...101.

 

No no it's not you definitely something wrong here
And congrats on finally getting your machine! didn't get a chance to congratulate you
Hopefully mine will follow suit quickly

 

I know.... but hey its nothing compared the the wait times on the first R1 systems, we all waited months because of delays and so many other things lol... this is awesome compared to that. I still cant believe mine is coming in just over a 2 weeks!

 

This is my first post and i know I’ve found the perfect room to introduce myself and my alien that I’m waiting ever so impatiently for ! lol I know im late in like the second chapter,post almost 2,000 lol.Well My alienware is currently in production (any ideas on how long that is anyone?) After reading all the excellent helpful reviews and recommendations here (thank yous) I decided to go with: alienware M17x Soft-Touch, Stealth Black Intel Core i7 2820QM 2.3GHz (3.4GHz Turbo Mode, 8MB Cache) MOD,DIMM,4GB,1333MHZ,DDR3,2X2G
17.3-inch WideFHD 1920x1080 120Hz WLED w/ NVIDIA 3D Vision Bundle
1.5GB GDDR5 Nvidia GeForce GTX 460M
320GB 7,200RPM SATA-II HDD

I will be upgrading the ram and hdd when i receive it to 12gb ram and a 1tb hdd, Do you guys think it would be better to invest in the ssd or the 1tb 7200 hdd ? the ram i have already but cant decide on the Hdd ? hope this isn’t too long .Nice to finally join you all as we continue are journey to become a true ALIENHEAD

 

Welcome to NBR, and AW street

Your config is really nice, I think you'll definitely enjoy it. Production time was 14 business days for me. My EDD was supposed to be 3/30, but received it on 3/25. Let us know if you need anything else. You should check out the other many R3 threads on here---you'll learn lots!

 

Thank you very much dookie11 , I have indeed read so much i cant sleep because of the excitement ! lol . I had to join this sight because there aren’t many places left where the community surpasses information by actually providing knowledge. Me and my brain don’t like it , we love it lol.Will learn everything i can, Even though I currently have the noob status going on here lol I’ve been building computers and doing Cisco for years as well as obtained certifications . I hope i can do my part to contribute to this excellent Community, and appreciate the help I receive in learning about my first alienware laptop.

 

Is there a 1tb hdd that will physically fit inside the R3?

 

Anyone here had their speaker wire mesh messed up?

 

same reasoning I did with my G73, I just want to know the quality of alienware's 1600x900 screen, so far I still cannot find any real info on the screens that are being used

 

All 1TB 2.5" hd's are 12.5mm...Technically it will fit with proper modification to the system, not usually worth it for the extra 250GB from a 750GB. Give it 6 months and a 9.5mm 1tb should be out and the newest 12.5mm will be a 1.5 or 2tb

 

Also to this date there's no 1Tb 2.5" HDD @7200 max is 5400rpm .

 

For those wondering about the effective temp improvement from CPU coolers, my findings are that just raising the bottom of the laptop up so that the intakes have good airflow is 99% of the battle. I have done some tests with my Cryo and just putting the laptop on the cooler lowered the temp considerable vs a flat table and turning the fans on made pretty much no difference on top of that. I do not even use the fans any more.

 

[QUOTE=pcgeek Is there a 1tb hdd that will physically fit inside the R3?

Thank you pcgeek and neptune for your answers.

This is what i debated going for! lol I’ve heard its pretty easy to fit. Although I have actually seen (only 2.5) 1tb at 7200 (by Seagate).The normal size is 1.5 with a 750gb capacity. 2 500gb 7200 could easily be that 1tb without mods.I wonder more of what’s the better investment ? ssd or regular sata hdds.I guess I’m trying to understand the performance difference ?

 

Mechanical drives just have NOTHING on ssd's as far as performance is concerned

Even RAID0 of the best 10k drives will be slower than a single SSD in just about every scenario (maybe equal in sequential but that is the least used HDD operation for an OS drive)